Perry says candidacy is a definite maybe

Published 12:02 am, Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Photo: Eric Gay, STF

Image 1of/1

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 1

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, right, is featured in an electronic football game during a news conference at Electronic Arts BioWare, Monday, July 18, 2011, in Austin, Texas. Officials announced they are expanding their EA Sports division and adding 300 jobs in Central Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, right, is featured in an electronic football game during a news conference at Electronic Arts BioWare, Monday, July 18, 2011, in Austin, Texas. Officials announced they are expanding ... more

Photo: Eric Gay, STF

Perry says candidacy is a definite maybe

1 / 1

Back to Gallery

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry, nearing a decision on a 2012 presidential run, did a bit of a Texas two-step Monday when pressed about comments he made this weekend indicating he believes he's been "called" to make the race.

"There's a lot of different ways to be called. My mother may call me for dinner. My friends may call me for something. There are people calling from all across this country ... and saying, 'Man, we wish you would consider doing this,'" Perry said.

But asked if that meant his comments were devoid of any religious overtone, Perry quickly added, "Oh no, no, no. ... I am a man of faith. I don't make any apologies about my faithfulness. ... Do I look for signs, and do I look for good Scripture that tells me how to live my life? Absolutely I do that."

Perry, who said he's in a "thoughtful, steady process of making a decision" about entering the race, took questions from reporters after ceremonially signing a bill that includes an effort to contain Medicaid costs in Texas.

It was his third public appearance of the day, and the only one at which he took questions.

Celebrating new jobs

At his appearance on the Medicaid measure, Perry slammed what he called intrusive, expensive "Obamacare," the federal health care reform law that supporters say is necessary to get people the care they need and hold insurance companies accountable.

During a speech to the Texas Municipal Police Association, Perry criticized federal efforts on border security, which were defended by the administration even as it said it is working to do more.

Perry also celebrated an announcement of new jobs by a video-game company, using the event to highlight Texas' job-creation record.

Asked about his White House prospects, Perry told reporters, "You'll be some of the first to know when I make a final decision."

The Des Moines Register reported over the weekend that Perry told the newspaper he wasn't ready to announce, "But I'm getting more and more comfortable every day that this is what I've been called to do. This is what America needs."

The Houston Chronicle reported last week that, according to a transcript of a meeting Perry had with East Texas business leaders in May, he said he was "called to the ministry" at age 27 and that "I've just always been really stunned by how big of a pulpit I was going to have. I still am. I truly believe with all my heart that God has put me in this place, at this time, to do his will."

The May meeting was to raise money for a "day of prayer and fasting" that Perry plans Aug. 6 at Reliant Stadium in Houston. His comments are seen as particularly attractive to conservative GOP primary voters, but they've prompted some to wonder whether general-election voters might see him as going too far in coupling religion and politics.

'Promoting Texas'

In other questions related to a potential run, Perry was asked Monday about the prospect that his state-paid security costs would rise as they did when George W. Bush traveled to campaign for the presidency. Perry said it's appropriate for the state to pay the tab.

"I'm going to be promoting Texas no matter where I go," he said.

Perry also was asked about whether resigning as governor to run for president was a question with which he's dealing.